in response

USAGE SUMMARY

"in response" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it to indicate that a statement is a reply to an earlier statement or question. For example: "The student asked why he hadn't been invited to the party. In response, the teacher said he needed to focus on his studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Zyna yelped in response.

The New Yorker

Attendance plunged in response.

The New York Times - Sports

In response, Maj.

The New York Times

Yadi! Yadi!" — in response.

The New York Times - Sports

Some comments in response follow.

The New York Times

In response, other renderings surfaced.

The New York Times

Galpin founded Mountain2Mountain in response.

The New York Times - Sports

Mandelson was withering in response.

Independent

No, he said in response.

The New York Times

Housing stocks slumped in response.

The New York Times

In response, she simply leaves.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in response", ensure the connection between the action and the response is clear to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify what is being responded to directly before or after using the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "in response" when a simple 'because' or 'therefore' would be more direct and clear. Overusing "in response" can make your writing sound repetitive and less concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in response" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that an action or statement is a reaction to a previous event or statement. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, confirming its role as a connector between action and reaction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in response" is a versatile and commonly used adverbial phrase that indicates a direct reaction or answer to a preceding action or statement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship in writing. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, overuse can lead to repetitive writing. Consider stronger, more concise alternatives like 'because' or 'therefore' when appropriate. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, maintaining a generally neutral register. Remember to keep the connection between action and response clear to avoid ambiguity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a reaction

This alternative places emphasis on the reactive nature of the action.

as a direct result

Emphasizes the immediate and clear connection between cause and effect.

to answer

A shorter, more direct way of indicating a response.

as a result

This suggests a consequential relationship, focusing on the outcome.

in consequence

This highlights the logical result or outcome of a previous action.

in retaliation

This implies a negative response, often involving revenge or retribution.

on that account

Indicates that something is done because of a previous action or situation.

by way of answer

This suggests a more formal or deliberate reply.

arising from that

Focuses on the origin or cause of the subsequent action.

in turn

This indicates a sequential response, one action following another.

FAQs

How can I use "in response" in a sentence?

You can use "in response" to indicate a direct reaction or answer to a statement, question, or action. For example, "The company released a statement; "in response", the stock price surged."

What phrases are similar to "in response"?

Alternatives include phrases like "as a reaction", "as a result", or "to answer" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to use "in response" or are there more concise options?

While "in response" is grammatically correct, it can sometimes be replaced with more concise options such as 'because', 'therefore', or a simple rephrasing of the sentence to directly show cause and effect.

What's the difference between "in response" and "in retaliation"?

"In response" is a general term for reacting to something, while "in retaliation" implies a negative or aggressive reaction, often involving revenge or punishment.